Caps-Islanders: Something to Prove

The New York Islanders slide into Washington hoping to redeem themselves after the 4-2 loss to the Caps in December. Jaroslav Halak did not start on Tuesday; instead they opted for the new guy, JF Berube. The strategy seemed to work as they sent the Wild home with a 5-3 win over them. The Islanders sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division and a win could help them jump ahead of the NY Rangers.

GAME TIME IS 7:30 pm

After a disastrous loss to Atlantic leaders, the Florida Panthers, we all are happy that Alex Ovechkin’s one-day suspension is over. Evgeny Kuznetsov helped hold the team together with his All-Star buddy, Nicky Backstrom. And then there was Andre Burakovsky with his 10 shots and a goal.

All these pieces moving together should help the team to rebound on Thursday against the Islanders. The team looked tired on Tuesday night and seems to be dragging some at practice. Let’s hope they find new energy by puck drop Thursday because we can’t afford to leave for New Jersey with three losses at home.

Check in Thursday for practice notes and pictures and then before the game for final line projections. Keep the faith fans!!

Injury Report and Team Scratches

Jay Beagle: He continues to recover. We don’t expect him for another couple weeks. Beags is skating and working with the trainers before practice starts.

Brooks Orpik skated with the team for practice on Tuesday but did not skate with them Wednesday. He seems to be improving and growing stronger and we hope that he will soon rejoin the team for an actual game.

Taylor Chorneyleft the game on Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. We will watch to see if he is at practice or if there will be a last-minute call up from Hershey… we vote for Connor Carrick.

Marcus Johansson is still suffering with an upper body injury although he has been skating before practice. Not expected in for Thursday.

Islanders

The Islanders carry three goalies—just in case Holtby wears them out!!

John Tavares got the infusion he needed during the All-Star Games, scoring a goal and an assist in the win over the Wild on Tuesday.

Goalie JF Berube recorded his first win with the team and his second in his NHL career. Don’t know yet if he will be defending the crease.